The chimeric medial sural artery perforator flap as the ideal for partial tongue reconstruction: A case series and technical refinements

The free chimeric medial sural artery perforator flap for individualised and three-dimensional reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects in extremities

Trauma or lesion resection often causes complex wounds with deep soft tissue defects in extremities. Simply covering with a skin flap will leave a deep dead space resulting in infection, non-healing wounds, and poor long-term outcomes. Thus, effectively reconstructing complex wounds with dead space leaves a clinical challenge. This manuscript presents our experience using chimeric medial sural artery perforator (cMSAP) flap, to reconstruct complex soft tissue defects of the extremities, thereby exploring broader analysis and indications for future reference. Between March 2016 and May 11, 2022, patients (8 males and 3 females) with a mean age of 41 years (range from 26 to 55 years) underwent reconstructive surgery with the cMSAP flap. The cMSAP flap consists of an MSAP skin paddle and a medial sural muscle paddle. The size of the MSAP skin paddle ranged between 9 × 5 cm and 20 × 6 cm, and the size of the medial sural muscle paddle ranged between 2 × 2 cm and 14 × 4 cm. Primary closure of the donor site was achieved in all cases. Of the 11 patients, the cMSAP flap survived in 10 cases. The vascular compromise occurred in one special case and was treated with surgical procedures. The mean follow-up duration was 16.5 months (range of 5-25 months). Most patients present satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. The free cMSAP flap is a good option for reconstructing complex soft tissue defects with deep dead space in extremities. The skin flap can cover the skin defect, and the muscle flap can fill the dead space against infection. In addition, three types of cMSAP flaps can be used in a broader range of complex wounds. This procedure can achieve an individualised and three-dimensional reconstruction of the defects and minimise the donor site morbidities.

Reconstruction of nasal airway in patients of class IIId maxillary defect with vastus lateralis muscle-chimeric double skin paddle ALT flap

BACKGROUND

A reconstructive challenge in patients with class IIId maxillary defect is how to obliterate the defect and restore a patent nasal airway. The current strategy using the single anterolateral thigh (ALT) fasciocutaneous flap for reconstruction may result in permanent mouth breathing. As the ALT flap was a common option in reconstruction processes, this study aimed to evaluate the benefits of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle-chimeric double skin paddle ALT flap in simultaneous defect and nasal airway reconstruction.

METHODS

This study included 21 patients with class IIId maxillary defect who underwent free ALT flap reconstruction (n = 11, single ALT flap group; n = 10, VL muscle-chimeric double skin paddle ALT flap (chimeric ALT flap) group) at the China Medical University Hospital from August 2015 to September 2019. Associated parameters collected for analysis included gender, age, body mass index (BMI), operative time, hospitalization, clinical stage, preoperative treatment, flap/defect size, comorbidities, postoperative RT, mouth breathing and short/long term complications.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in age, BMI, hospitalization, clinical stage, preoperative treatment, defect size, comorbidities, and postoperative RT between the two groups; however, the chimeric ALT flap group as dominated by male patients (p = 0.009), and had longer operative times (12.1 h vs. 10.1 h, p = 0.002) and larger flap sizes (180 cm² vs. 96.7 cm², p = 0.013). Compared with the chimeric ALT flap group, the single ALT flap group suffered from permanent mouth breathing.

CONCLUSION

Nasal airway reconstruction should be considered in patients with class IIId maxillary defect. Compared to the single ALT flap, the chimeric ALT flap is a superior reconstructive option for patients with class IIId maxillary defect, although a longer surgical duration and larger flap size are required.

Comparison of Current Free Flap Options for Intraoral Lining and Tongue Reconstruction

Free flaps have become the main alternative for intraoral reconstruction in current practice. However, controversy exists on pros and cons of different free flap options for this challenging area. Although there are various studies focusing on different free flap options, comparative studies are very few and there is not a single study comparing all 4 thin free flap options for intraoral reconstruction. Between 2018 and 2021, 30 patients underwent intraoral reconstruction. Four pliable and thin flaps, medial sural artery perforator flap, superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap, radial forearm free flap, and superthin anterolateral thigh flap were used for reconstructions and compared per functionality and patients' quality of life. One medial sural artery perforator flap and 1 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap failed because of perfusion problems, and the remaining flaps survived. Harvest time and donor site closure were with significant difference ( P <0.05) between groups. Quality of life results were similar except one of the disease-specific questions. In authors' opinion, anterolateral thigh flap is the best option in normal-weight individuals because of its reliability, pliability, and constant reliable vascular structure. Although other options may be considered in overweighted patients, thinly elevated anterolateral thigh flap still seems to be the most reliable option.

The Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap: A Historical Trek from Ignominious to “Workhorse”

Rather than just another “review,” this is intended to be an “overview” of the entire subject of the medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap as has been presented in the reconstructive literature from its inception in 2001 until the present, with any exceptions not purposefully overlooked. Unfortunately, the pertinent anatomy of the MSAP flap is always anomalous like most other perforator flaps, and perhaps even more variable. No schematic exists to facilitate the identification of a dominant musculocutaneous perforator about which to design the flap, so some adjunctive technology may be highly valuable for this task. However, if a relatively thin free flap is desirable for a small or moderate sized defect that requires a long pedicle with larger caliber vessels, the MSAP flap deserves consideration. Indeed, for many, this has replaced the radial forearm flap such as for partial tongue reconstruction. Most consider the donor site deformity, even if only a conspicuous scar on the calf, to be a contraindication. Yet certainly if used as a local flap for the knee, popliteal fossa, or proximal leg, or as a free flap for the ipsilateral lower extremity where a significant recipient site deformity already exists, can anyone really object that this is not a legitimate indication? As with any perforator flap, advantages and disadvantages exist, which must be carefully perused before a decision to use the MSAP flap is made. Perhaps not a “workhorse” flap for general use throughout the body, the MSAP flap in general may often be a valuable alternative.